Introduction
Choosing the right sun protection is of crucial importance. How to navigate through essential parameters such as phototype according to the Fitzpatrick classification, geolocation, UV index, daily activity and family history of skin cancers ? Explore these key elements for personalized and effective solar defense.
What phototype are you and what sun protection is suitable?
Table of Phototypes according to Fitzpatrick:
Discover your Phototype and the appropriate sun protection with the Phototypes table according to Fitzpatrick. Identify your Phototype from the descriptions below, accompanied by protection recommendations in the urban city , at the beach in summer, or in the mountains/tropics.
|
Phototype |
Description |
Reaction to the Sun |
Urban City |
Beach |
Mountain/Tropics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I |
Very white, red/blonde hair, light eyes |
Always burn, never tan |
SPF25-50 PA+++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+) Pollution |
SPF50+ PA++++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+) |
SPF50+ PA++++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+) |
|
II |
Light skin, blonde/brown hair, light/brown eyes |
Still burns, tans slightly |
SPF15-20-25 PA++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+) Pollution |
SPF30-50 PA+++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+) |
SPF50+ PA++++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+) |
|
III |
Medium skin, brown/brown hair, brown eyes |
Burns moderately, tans gradually |
SPF6-10 PA+ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF++) Pollution |
SPF15-20-25 PA++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF++) |
SPF30-50 PA+++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF++) |
|
IV |
Dark skin, brown/black hair, brown/black eyes |
Burns very little, always tans well |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) Pollution |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) |
SPF15-20-25 PA+++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) |
|
V |
Dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes |
Burns rarely, tans intensely |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) Pollution |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) |
SPF15-20-25 PA+++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) |
|
VI |
Black skin, black hair, black eyes |
Never burns, tans very intensely |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) Pollution |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) |
SPF15-20-25 PA+++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/LB (VL/PF+++) |
For an overall understanding, here are our recommendations for light phototypes (I and II) and dark phototypes (> III) for effective protection based on your skin type.
Lair phototypes (I-II):
- Cancers: Choose maximum protection with SPF50+ during prolonged exposure to the beach to prevent skin cancers. In the city, opt for SPF15-20-25 PA++ (at least 1/3 of the SPF) and reapply regularly throughout the day . Do not protect yourself against infrared rays which, on the contrary, have a beneficial effect on the skin.
- Melasma: Protect yourself against high-energy visible light including blue light (LB HEV) by choosing appropriate protection.
- Photoaging: Prevent photoaging by providing complete protection against UVB, UVA , Blue Light (High Visible Energy) and air pollution . Integrate antioxidant products into your routine to strengthen your skin's defenses.
Dark phototypes (>III):
- Melasma / Pigmentogenic lichen: Opt for extensive protection against UVB, UVA, UVA1 , as well as blue light (HEV). Choose untinted creams to promote regular compliance. Do not protect yourself against infrared rays which have a beneficial effect on the skin.
- Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation (PPI): Protect your skin from UVB, UVA, UVA1 and blue light (BL) with untinted creams containing antioxidants to reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation.
- Cancers: Ensure complete sun protection with a screen against UVB, UVA, avoiding blocking infrared rays.
UV Index
Deciding whether or not to apply sunscreen based solely on the appearance of the sky is a mistake . The UV index does not simply depend on the presence of clouds, but is the result of a complex equation including solar angle, altitude, cloud cover, stratospheric ozone, albedo and shade. Don't be fooled: UVA rays persist, passing through clouds, windows and even your skin.
Contrary to popular belief, clouds do not effectively protect against solar rays. A light veil of clouds only blocks 5 to 10% of the rays, and can even increase the solar risk. To effectively counter photoaging , always opt for complete sun protection, regardless of weather conditions.
Impact of activities on sun protection
Digital:
The blue light emitted by screens, particularly for fair skin, contributes to skin aging by generating oxidative stress and free radicals (ROS) in synergy with UVA. For dark skin, it can lead to hyperpigmentation and the appearance of spots. Therefore, interior and exterior protection is crucial to prevent these harmful effects, regardless of phototype.
Indoor/outdoor activities :
Daily activities, such as working on a screen near a window or cycling to work, significantly affect light exposure. These situations require suitable protection to counter the harmful effects of invisible and visible light, highlighting the importance of a diversified sun protection strategy.
Family history of skin cancers
In the presence of a family history of skin cancer , vigilance is increased, involving regular consultations and the rigorous application of protective measures, even for dark skin types. Applying rigorous daily sun protection becomes an essential necessity to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
TRUE FILTER™: sun protection suitable for all phototypes
TRUE FILTER™ stands out as exceptional sun protection, perfectly suited to all phototypes , including sensitive skin. Its patented formula offers complete defense with its SPF25 PA+++ HEV / LB (blue light), while ensuring effective protection against atmospheric pollution, filtering up to 96% of UV rays.
Far from conventional sunscreens, TRUE FILTER™ exceeds expectations. By eliminating nearly 90% of reactive oxygen species (ROS) linked to air pollution and visible light , this mist goes beyond simple protection. The integrated antioxidants further strengthen the defense against oxidative stress, thus providing a complete barrier against external aggressions.
Thanks to its ingenious format, TRUE FILTER™ mistmeets renewal needs throughout the day . It can be easily applied alone or over makeup, using a simple contactless spray . Without leaving greasy or white residue , it sets a new standard in sun protection, suitable for even the darkest skin.
Discover the TRUE FILTER™ protective urban mist, the ideal UV protection for your phototype.
Conclusion :
Optimal sun protection depends on phototype, real-time UV index (geolocation), daily activities, and family history of skin cancers. An informed choice guarantees effective defense against the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental attacks.
Bibliography
- T. Passeron , HW Lim , CL. Goh , HY Kang , F. Ly , A. Morita , J. Ocampo Candiani , S. Puig , S. Schalka , L. Wei , B. Dréno , J. Krutmann , “Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: practical recommendations from an expert panel” J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Jul;35(7):1460-1469 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33764577/
- T. Passeron, C. Regazetti, L. Sormani, D. Debayle, et al. “Melanocytes Sense Blue Light and Regulate Pigmentation through Opsin-3” J Invest Dermatol. 2018 Jan;138(1):171-178. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28842328/
- D. Barolet, F. Christiaens, MR Hamblin, “Infrared and skin: Friend or foe” J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016 Feb:155:785. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26745730/
- French Society of Dermatology (SFD). https://www.sfdermato.org/upload/scores/fitzaptrick-07c01cd700377584cb403f9135752e97.pdf
